The first photos of HS Produkt’s Kuna submachine gun surfaced online at the turn of 2024 to 2025. Reportedly leaked from a closed military trade show in São Paulo, Brazil, the images immediately sparked interest. The weapon had not yet been officially presented, prompting many questions about its appearance at the event. Though still in the testing phase at the time—chambered in .40 S&W—it was only a matter of time before news of the Kuna spread globally.
The submachine gun underwent extensive trials by the Military Police of São Paulo State (Polícia Militar do Estado de São Paulo). Competing against other elite firearms, including the Swiss B&T APC, the Kuna emerged as the winner—earning its place in the arsenal of one of Brazil’s largest police forces, which numbers in the tens of thousands.
International Debut
Following its official unveiling at Enforce Tac and IWA trade shows in Nuremberg in early 2025, HS Produkt’s new creation quickly attracted international attention from both domestic and foreign experts.
In Croatia, the first thing that caught people’s eyes was the name—Kuna. At first glance, it may refer to a small, agile predator from the forests of Slavonia and mountainous regions. But in Croatia, “kuna” holds deeper meaning. It was once the national currency, a heraldic symbol, a military brigade name, and now—it names a modern weapon.
This single word, rich with cultural and historical weight, reflects a nation that has often had to fight for its land and identity. That’s why this submachine gun isn’t called something generic like MP-21 or HR-9. Instead, it bears a name steeped in Croatian heritage.
Materials and Mechanics: Designed for Power
The Kuna was developed from the ground up for the .40 S&W cartridge—known for its high pressure and balance between 10mm Auto and .45 ACP power. The goal was clear: create a robust firearm capable of withstanding the rigors of this powerful round.
Unlike many other manufacturers that hastily adapted their 9mm pistols for .40 S&W—resulting in reliability issues and broken parts—HS Produkt took the opposite route. They built the Kuna first for .40 S&W to ensure strength and durability, then adapted it for 9mm Para. Today, models in both calibers are available, with 10mm Auto and .45 ACP versions in development.
Magazine capacity is 30 rounds for both calibers—standard for this weapon class. The transparent polymer magazines allow for quick visual ammo checks. The folding stock, made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer, adjusts to four positions and folds to the right side, locking neatly against the magwell.
Other ergonomic features include:
- Ambidextrous QD sling mounts on both the receiver and stock
- AR-15-style pistol grip, allowing for customization
- Polymer and metal controls made using MIM (Metal Injection Molding) for durability
Inspired by Industry Icons
All operational controls are ambidextrous, ensuring usability for both left- and right-handed shooters. The grip texture follows the same highly functional pattern found on HS Produkt’s best-selling Hellcat pistol.
The fire selector mirrors the AR-15/M16 setup with three clearly marked positions:
- Safe (white crossed bullet)
- Semi-auto (single red bullet)
- Full-auto (three red bullets)
The trigger system, housed in the grip, features a steel hammer-fired mechanism with a smooth pull, short reset, and weight between 2.5 and 3.5 kg.
Charging handles, the only controls not on the grip, are non-reciprocating and lie flush when not in use. Users can choose to run one or both handles, which are easily swappable without tools. This design allows safe operation without risk of injuring the support hand during fire.
Built to NATO Standards
The upper receiver is crafted from a single piece of anodized aluminum, ensuring strength and reliable optics mounting. The ejection port is on the right side, and the top rail follows NATO STANAG 2324 standards.
Backup iron sights are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. When folded, basic “pistol sights” are revealed for emergency use. The rear sight includes the U-shaped white markings seen on recent HS Produkt pistols like the Hellcat and Echelon.
The integrated handguard includes M-LOK slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock for accessory mounting. The cold-hammer-forged barrel, made domestically, comes in two configurations:
- 6-inch (152.4 mm): Threaded for muzzle devices
- 6.5-inch (165 mm): Equipped with a Tri-Lug adapter for fast suppressor or compensator mounting
A 12-inch PCC variant with a fixed stock and extended M-LOK handguard is in development for the civilian market.
Innovative Locking System: The Heart of the Kuna
At the core of the Kuna is its single-roller delayed blowback system—a standout feature that elevates it above previous Croatian submachine guns. This design reduces internal friction, improves accuracy, and increases reliability and lifespan.
Inspired by the Grand Power Stribog A3, HS Produkt didn’t just copy the concept—they refined it. A key improvement is a retaining ring that holds the roller and spring in place, preventing them from falling out during disassembly. This offers an edge over the original Stribog design.
Here’s how the system works:
- When locked, the bolt is pressed tightly against the barrel by the recoil spring.
- Upon firing, pressure pushes the bolt carrier rearward.
- The roller delays this movement, engages the front weight, and slows the action just enough to safely extract the casing after pressure drops.
This elegant system reduces component stress and improves long-term durability.
Key advantages of roller-delayed blowback:
- Less wear and tear
- Higher accuracy through reduced vibration
- Reliable, fast locking and unlocking
- Simplified maintenance
Easy Maintenance, Thoughtful Design
Disassembly is straightforward and tool-free. The Kuna breaks down into six major components:
- Remove rear pin
- Remove front pin
- Detach the stock
- Remove the recoil spring
- Remove the bolt carrier group
- Detach the grip (optional)
Even the bolt can be taken apart easily, breaking down into just four parts when needed.
More Than a Weapon—A National Symbol
The story of the Kuna submachine gun is more than a tale of engineering—it’s a story of national identity.
Over time, the word “kuna” has represented:
- Fur – a valued medieval trade item
- Currency – Croatia’s former monetary unit
- Heraldry – a symbol on coats of arms
- Military tradition – a name carried by elite brigades
- Modern defense – now, a name for a cutting-edge firearm
Each version of “kuna” has symbolized something meaningful: value, strength, and belonging.
Today, the Kuna submachine gun brings all that symbolism into one modern weapon. Built from experience gained during Croatia’s Homeland War and designed with modern precision, it’s more than just a firearm—it’s a statement.
In a world where symbols often lose meaning, Croatia has created something tangible. The Kuna speaks not only the language of war but also of history, resilience, and pride.
The Kuna is not just equipment. It is a historical statement, a show of modern strength, and a symbol of national pride—a bold expression of Croatia’s right to defend itself and endure.
